Microscope Pseudo-Color Image Merging for Diagnostic Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for displaying medical images, such as merging visible-light and fluorescence images, while effective, lack advanced features to enhance diagnostic and surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A microscope and method that utilize an image processor to generate pseudo-color image data in real time, merging it with input image data to create three-dimensional output images. The pseudo-color data is generated based on auxiliary input data and can include temporally and spatially modulated patterns to enhance data representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used to provide diagnostic information, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but anatomical information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fluorescence image data with visible light image data into a single composite image. The visible light image provides anatomical context while the fluorescence image provides diagnostic information about specific tissue types. This combination allows both anatomical and diagnostic information to be simultaneously displayed without losing either type of information.
2Manufacturing precision
If visible light imaging is used to provide anatomical information, then anatomical detail is improved, but diagnostic fluorescence information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visible light imaging and fluorescence imaging into a single integrated display. The visible light component preserves anatomical detail while the fluorescence component overlays diagnostic information about specific tissue types. This merging ensures that neither anatomical nor diagnostic information is lost in the final image output.
3Ease of operation
If simple image superposition is used to merge visible light and fluorescence images, then ease of operation is improved, but information representation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the merged image by adding depth information through three-dimensional rendering. Different tissue types identified by fluorescence imaging are displayed at different depths or layers within the composite image, creating a multi-dimensional representation. This allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while significantly improving the quality and depth of information representation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach facilitates more detailed and informative medical imaging, allowing for better anatomical and diagnostic information to be presented in a single image, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescence camera configured to provide auxiliary input data representing fluorescent-light image data
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a medical observation device (1) such as a microscope or endoscope. Further, the invention relates to a method for processing medical images. Input image data (52) are generated by a visible-light camera (28) and overlaid with auxiliary input data (58) such as fluorescent-light image data (65) generated from auxiliary input data (58) e.g. a fluorescence camera (32) or an ultrasound sensor (40, 42). From the auxiliary input data (58), subsequent sets (84) of pseudo-color image data (86) are generated by an image processor (80). The pseudo-color images (84) are merged with the input image data (52) to obtain three-dimensional output image data (94). The image processor (80) is configured to generate pseudo-color image data (86) at different depth layers of the three-dimensional output image data depending on the content of the auxiliary input data (58).